Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche has revealed its new hardcore track-focused 911 at this year’s Geneva motor show. As with the standard GT3, the RS is PDK-only meaning there will be no manual gearbox option.

However, unlike the standard GT3, the new model is powered by a new 4.0-litre flat six engine based on the standard 3.8-litre unit. It develops a substantial 496hp, matching the old limited-edition 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 from 2012.

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The track-tuned model is quicker than the standard GT3, capable of hitting 62mph in 3.3 seconds compared to the standard car’s 3.5 second time. While 0-124mph takes a shade over 10 seconds – it’s supercar fast.

The RS also adopts the wider Turbo body shell instead of the Carrera 4 shell used by the GT3, meaning it has a significantly fatter stance. Despite the wider body, the RS is actually around 10kg lighter than the 1430kg GT3.

Visually, the RS is obviously a more serious beast than the ‘ordinary’ GT3. It sits lower, and on wider wheels and tyres while an aggressive aerodynamic package gives it a race car-like appearance. At the front there’s a larger splitter and cooling ducts over the front wheel arches to reduce front axle lift at high speed. At the rear – you’ll have no doubt noticed – is a massive rear wing that looks like it has been plucked from the track-only 911 GT3 racer. The roof has also been modified to incorporate a ‘double-bubble’ to reduce weight and improve the aero efficiency of that rear wing.

Because the RS uses a Turbo shell, it also gets a pair of air intakes ahead of the rear wheel arches – presumably necessary to stop the engine catching fire like another certain GT3 model…

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Inside, the RS gets the same lightweight carbon-backed seats as the 918 Spyder Weisach Pack, and a new steering wheel which it shares with the Cayman GT4, also shown at Geneva.

Porsche claims the new GT3 RS can lap the Nurburgring in around 7 minutes 20 seconds, or about 15 seconds quicker than the standard car.